Posts Tagged ‘2011 mercedes-Benz CLS’

Even Mercedes' big cars, like the all-new 2011 version of the CLS, are getting new battery-based drivetrain technologies.

With barely 125 days to go until Mercedes-Benz marks its 125th anniversary, Daimler AG CEO is promising to unveil a significant new patent to celebrate the birth of the world’s oldest carmaker.

But what is in store he isn’t saying yet, beyond hinting that a significant development in driveline technology is in store – a fitting way to celebrate the day, in January 1886, when Carl Benz took the first critical step towards putting the world on wheels.

Daimler has been using the Paris Motor Show as a backdrop for setting in motion some grand plans for the future, starting with a wild party on the Champs Elysees at the new Mercedes-Benz Gallery.

Live From Paris!

CEO Dieter Zetsche used the occasion to lay out what some might suggest is an overly-ambitious growth plan that would roughly double Mercedes sales to 1.5 million annually by 2015.

The first good look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, the original coupe-like sedan.

We’ve been seeing next-generation CLS prototypes with lots of camo for some time now. Today, we’ve caught the 2012 CLS on a photo shoot wearing almost no disguise at all!

From our photos, it quickly becomes apparent the CLS is in for quite a change. The front end is much more angular and aggressive. We’ve also realized that, when looking at camouflaged prototypes from earlier in the year, CLS prototypes were wearing an extensive front clip that was completely fake!

Towards the back, the CLS is getting significantly bigger fender flares, giving the Mercedes hips that look almost Bentley-like. A much flashier pair of tailights are easy to see as well.

Even with camouflage, these are the clearest shots yet of the second generation Mercedes CLS.

Hidden under heavy black disguise, the new four-door coupé peeks through the headlights, rear lights, side mirrors, roof line.

The CLS was the original 2+2 four-door “coupé” when it launched in 2004, with several and manufacturers following – including such automobiles as Aston Martin’s Rapide, Porsche’s Panamera, Volkswagen’s Passat CC and Audi’s upcoming A7.

Power for the new CLS is expected to come from a wide range of engines, including a BlueHybrid and, of course, and AMG with an expected 517-horsepower!